By Loyd Matare
Harare City Council has finally filled its long-vacant Chamber Secretary post, appointing lawyer Warren Chiwawa as the substantive office bearer after securing approval from the Local Government Board.
In a letter dated February 2, 2026, Local Government Board chairperson Stephen Chakaipa confirmed the endorsement, saying Chiwawa outperformed other shortlisted candidates during interviews held last year.
“Chiwawa had a distinct edge over the other candidates in terms of experience and exposure,” Chakaipa wrote, adding that the Board approved the appointment in terms of Section 123(e), read together with Sections 133 and 135 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15].
Chiwawa has been acting Chamber Secretary for years, with Town House operating without a substantive office holder since 2018.
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His elevation is expected to stabilise council operations and reinforce corporate governance systems that have often come under scrutiny.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has congratulated Chiwawa saying the confirmation of a substantive Chamber Secretary was a major relief for residents who had long demanded stability in the city’s top offices.
“Our congratulations are in order. We are happy for this appointment.
“It’s one of the high appointments that the residents have been complaining about,” he said.
The mayor further highlighted that Chiwawa will oversee the city’s procedures, laws, documentation, records and municipal police, emphasising that he plays a key role in ensuring good governance.
“He is the custodian of our procedures, the custodian of our laws, the custodian of our documentation.
“He is in charge of our records, in charge of our police, in charge of our legal issues,” Mafume noted.
Chiwawa, in his acceptance remarks, expressed gratitude to council leadership and all involved in the vetting and appointment processes.
“Thank you, Your Worship… People are very happy to finally be where I am now,” he said, adding humour to his journey.
Chiwawa vowed to work collaboratively with council and maintain continuity in the city’s operations.
“Now that there is a substantive to work together well, there won’t be much changes in how we operate. I will continue to speak the same way we were before,” he said, promising professionalism and consistency.
